14 Oct 2024
by Jonathon Concannon  

Why Connecting The UK is Necessary For Establishing a Trustworthy and Secure Digital Identity 

Guest blog from Jonathon Concannon at ITS Technology Group as part of our #UnlockingDigitalID campaign week 2024.

Why connecting the UK is necessary for establishing a trustworthy and secure digital identity 

As businesses increasingly rely on digital devices to enhance efficiency and productivity, it is essential to recognise that these technologies can either strengthen or undermine a trustworthy digital identity. Building a secure digital identity starts with the foundational infrastructure - namely, connectivity. The right connectivity solutions create the necessary bridge between safety, security, and operational efficiency, supporting both private and public sector needs. 

Why does connectivity play a role in establishing a digital identity?  

Ultrafast connectivity does not just increase speeds—it also provides a safer, more resilient, and physically secure network for deploying devices that benefit environmental, economic, and social initiatives. By offering better protection against data loss and downtime, as well as physical protection from third-party interception of data in transit, modern connectivity solutions form the backbone of a safer digital identity in the UK. 

Additionally, ultrafast speeds are essential for running data-intensive, cloud-based cybersecurity programs like Amazon Web Services (AWS), which rely on secure data centres and network architectures to safeguard business continuity. Full fibre networks, with their high upload and download speeds, enable organisations to store customer data securely in the cloud, far outpacing older networks like FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) or ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). This, in turn, boosts consumer confidence in how their sensitive data is transferred, managed, and stored. 

Connectivity powers trust with secure and transparent digital identity solutions 

The trust businesses build with their customers depends on secure digital identity solutions. Companies using smart technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning need business-grade connectivity to support these innovations. Since many businesses operate 24/7, their security systems must also work around the clock.  

Cybercriminals scan for vulnerabilities in connected devices on average every 90 seconds. Automated tools and bots used by hackers are scanning networks and devices continuously, seeking weaknesses to exploit - which means businesses need fast and reliable security systems with adequate infrastructure. This includes Static IPs and business-grade SLAs (Service Level Agreements) to protect against potential threats. 

Modern full fibre networks, with symmetrical upload and download speeds, allow data to move quickly enough to detect vulnerabilities and shut down systems before sensitive data is compromised. In case of outages, business-grade backup solutions keep cloud-based cybersecurity programs running, providing organisations with better control over system recovery and continuity 

Connectivity supports the revolutionary devices that establish a trustworthy digital identity 

One of the key considerations organisations must make when they are implementing digitally secure devices is having the bandwidth to do it. This is because devices rely on high-capacity networks to transfer vast volumes of data, and for devices to respond promptly to demands, they need to transfer this fast. Secure devices, such as biometric scanning, use ultrafast data transfer to transmit data back in real-time with remote data storage and verify those trying to gain access to a premises. This fast data transfer is also crucial for cross-sector intelligence sharing, allowing businesses in both the private and public sectors to quickly share information about emerging threats. 

Connectivity is the foundation for creating a secure digital identity. Its ultrafast speeds enable the safe transfer of large amounts of data, which is vital for running cloud-based cybersecurity programs and protecting sensitive information. 

Full fibre also ensures real-time data processing for security devices like biometric scanners, and it strengthens and supports business continuity with resilient systems – essential during outages. Full fibre helps organisations safeguard their systems and build trust with consumers, making it a critical ingredient for a secure digital identity. 

 

Authors

Jonathon Concannon  

Jonathon Concannon  

Head of Information Security, ITS Technology Group